Economy not better for most Filipinos

IBON media release, 4 September 2003

Majority of Filipinos believe that the Philippine economy did not
improve since last year. This is according to the latest IBON Survey
conducted July 14-27.

Asked to describe the state of the economy, 43.51% of the 1,457
respondents said that the economy was worse than last year's,
while 42.55% said that it remained the same. Only 8.85% of the
respondents said that the economy improved.

To the question What do you think will happen to our economy this
year?, 74.06% of the respondents believe the economy will either
stay the same or will worsen. Of the figure, 35.62% said the economy
will worsen, but respondents who say it will stay the same are
slightly ahead at 38.44%. Only 9.5% are positive the economy will
improve this year.

Similarly, around 86% of respondents said the economy in 2003 either
worsened or have stayed the same compared from last year. 43.51% said
the economy has worsened while a close 42.55% said nothing has
improved. Only 8.85% said the economy improved as compared six months
ago.

Respondents were also asked to compare the state of their livelihood
with last year. More than half or 51.27% answered their livelihood
stayed the same this year while 36.44% said it worsened. A meager
9.47% noted an improvement in their livelihood though this figure was
down from last year's 11.51%.

Around 61.84% however, said their family income is not enough to meet
basic needs, compared to 32.74% who said their current income is
enough and 2.2% whose income is more than enough.

On the issue of jobs and other livelihood opportunities, 49.28% of
respondents stated there are jobs in their area but these are not
enough. On the other hand, 31.71% said there are still no source of
livelihood in their area compared to 15.31% who said jobs are enough
in their community.

IBON conducts its non-commissioned quarterly survey to find out the
people's perception of the economy, their income and livelihood,
the government's performance, as well as their choice for
president and vice-president, and other pressing issues.